How to Change the Return to Shop Link in WooCommerce
The Return to Shop link in WooCommerce is an essential feature for guiding customers back to your store when their cart is empty. By default, this link points to the shop page. However, there are scenarios where you might want to customize this link to direct users to a specific page, category, or promotional section. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to change the Return to Shop link in WooCommerce step by step.
Why Customize the Return to Shop Link?
Customizing the Return to Shop link can improve user experience and boost conversions by directing customers to:
- Seasonal Promotions: A sale or promotional page to encourage shopping.
- Custom Categories: A specific product category relevant to the user’s journey.
- Home Page: Highlight your store’s main offerings or banners.
This flexibility allows you to align the user experience with your marketing goals.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change the Return to Shop Link in WooCommerce
Follow these steps to customize the Return to Shop link:
Step 1: Backup Your Website
Before making any changes, ensure you have a recent backup of your WordPress site to prevent potential issues.
Step 2: Add a Custom Code Snippet
To change the Return to Shop link, you’ll need to add a custom function to your theme’s functions.php file.
Here’s the Code Snippet:
Explanation:
woocommerce_return_to_shop_redirect: This WooCommerce filter allows you to change the default URL of the Return to Shop link.home_url('/your-custom-page/'): Replace/your-custom-page/with the desired URL, such as/shop/,/sale/, or/category/.
Step 3: Save the Changes
- Open your WordPress admin dashboard.
- Navigate to Appearance > Theme File Editor (or use FTP to access your files).
- Add the code to your active theme’s functions.php file.
- Save the file and refresh your website.
Step 4: Test the New Link
- Go to your store and empty the cart.
- Click the Return to Shop button.
- Confirm it redirects to your chosen page.
Using a Plugin to Change the Return to Shop Link
If you’re not comfortable with coding, you can use a plugin to make this change.
Recommended Plugins:
- Code Snippets Plugin
- This plugin lets you safely add custom code to your site without editing theme files.
- Custom Redirect Plugins
- Plugins like “Redirection” allow you to manage custom redirects, including the Return to Shop link.
Best Practices for Customizing the Return to Shop Link
- Choose a Relevant Page: Ensure the link takes users to a page that encourages them to continue shopping.
- Test Responsiveness: Make sure the new link works seamlessly on mobile and desktop devices.
- Monitor User Behavior: Use tools like Google Analytics to track user engagement and conversions after implementing the change.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. Changes Not Reflecting
- Clear your website and browser cache to see the updated link.
- Ensure there are no conflicting plugins or theme overrides.
2. Theme Updates Overwriting Changes
- Use a child theme to add your custom code and prevent it from being overwritten during theme updates.
Conclusion
Knowing how to change the Return to Shop link in WooCommerce gives you greater control over your store’s navigation and user flow. Whether you choose to direct users to a promotional page, a specific category, or your home page, this simple customization can improve user experience and drive sales.
By following the steps outlined above, you can easily make this change through custom code or a plugin. Start optimizing your store today and make the most of WooCommerce’s flexibility!
